Greenling

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Cumberland Foreside, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2016

Review

The story of an unusual baby found by what looks like an ordinary couple. This picture book has exquisite illustrations with touches of green and pops of color. However, some of the pictures could have used a little more contrast to highlight the point being made (i.e. when the greenery takes over the train rail, there is only a hint of coloration to the sepia tone rendering it more difficult for children to determine what is happening without some explanation). It would also be helpful if the name of the couple were clearer; they are the Barleycorns, but as this is not a usual last name, it would have been nice to have a sign on the house that read The Barleycorns. The message of appreciation for and love of the Earth is lovely, but it lacks punch due to the oddity that is the Greenling and the need to use so much inference to understand the story. Due to this slightly more complex storytelling, the book is better for kindergarten and older children and not for the preschool set.

Overall Book Score: fair